I was diagnnksosed with PMR in June 2022. I have paid for a couple of private Rheumy appointments but am still waiting for my first NHS appointment (referred June 2023, appointment notified for end March 2024). I have a GP appointment (not my usual GP) on Tuesday and would like to know what regular check-ups/monitoring I should be having and what blood tests I should request (and at what intervals).
Up until now it's been very much a 'do it yourself' job - I think something should be checked and I try to get my GP to agree. I am currently trying to taper slowly to 9mg prednisolone and have always managed my own medication regime. I would like more input from my GP practice and would really value advice on what exactly I should expect.
Many thanks
Written by
FleetRose
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Join the crowd. I think a lot of us would like our GPs to take more notice of us. After the first year a lot of GPs seem to let their patients look after themselves. The majority of people never see a rheumatologist and many of the ones that do pay privately. Basically you need regular blood checks including, inflammation markers CRP/ESR, HbA1c, a Dexascan, a prescription for vitamin D with calcium and to ensure that you are slowly reducing with no problems.
The very latest protocol from bone health experts is that you try to get all your calcium from food, rather than supplements. Take vitamin D w/K2; that combo helps the calcium deposit into your bones instead of clogging your arteries.
Yes my GP gave me a diet sheet on food sources of calcium. Apart from that I too have been left to my own devices. However knowledge is good and after many months on Pred above 10mg, I’m going to push for a Dexascan to see if my diet calcium has been sufficient.
Thank you all for your replies and encouraging words. I suppose I do not feel I am doing well! I have never been completely pain free and am still not sure where the cross overs are with low thyroid (under treated for 20 years) which can cause muscle pain, also myopathy from steroid use, DOMS etc. I also had low cortisol for years prior to PMR (private tests which the GP would not recognise). I was not monitored even from the outset of PMR and really would not have coped at all without all the wonderful people on this forum and without the helpline at PMRGCAUK.
I have bought my own calcium, D3, K2 supplements as not prescribed. I will ask on Tuesday along with a request for other tests (some have been done at some point).
I took my calcium and Vitamin D but not the two tablets a day as prescribed. Whether or not it is the cause, I don't know but I now have bone on bone knee joints and an insufficiency fracture in my right knee so I wouldn't take chances. I didn't know about Vitamin K2 but am taking it now. I was given alendronic acid and calcium/vit D as standard but no advice on why it was important, just general info. I did self manage for the first 18 mnths which I think was fine until I got Covid and all went a but haywire. I didn't know about sick day rules and experienced a flare. It is also when my knee pain started (now settled significantly). I think getting informed as much as you can via this forum will do you as much good as a rheumie unless you are having real problems (apart from PMR which is a real problem!)
Yes, that is true PMRpro , good point. I suppose in my mind was the insufficiency fracture and fluid in the bone but to be honest just clutching at straws for reasons and explanations. So much of this happens with no real clue why!
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What's up with the NHS?
What should I expect?
3 week check-up and another question
Regular blood tests are essential 
Taking prednisolone before or after regular blood tests for ESR and CRP
